President Bush is leading an international coalition in fighting
the global War on Terror. Iraq is a vital front in the War on Terror,
and President Bush has worked to ensure that the international
community is addressing the challenges in Iraq.

Through UN Security Council Resolution 1441, the Iraqi regime was
given one last chance last September to comply with previous
resolutions. Dozens of nations joined the coalition to remove the
Saddam Hussein regime from power.

After the conflict, the United States led the effort to work with
the international community through UN Security Council Resolution
1483, which encouraged nations to contribute to the peacekeeping and
stability efforts; and through Resolution 1500 which welcomed the
creation of the Iraqi Governing Council. Forty countries have responded
and are helping the Iraqi people build security and sovereignty in
their nation.

The Bush Administration has begun a diplomatic initiative to
generate additional international support for the rebuilding of Iraq.
Secretary Powell has begun consultations with UN Security Council
members on a new resolution.

The U.S. would head the unified command structure of a United
Nations-authorized multinational force. The resolution also calls upon
the United States - as the leader of the military coalition - to report
on a regular basis to the United Nations. Because of the extensive
resources on the ground, the United States will continue to play a
dominant role through Ambassador Bremer and the Coalition Provisional
Authority, as well as the U.S. military force presence.

The Administration expects a candid dialogue and discussion process
with Security Council members, and we will listen to and work with them
constructively toward the shared goal of building a free, stable, and
democratic Iraq.